Chapter 8: Extending Meaning

"That limited vision is particularly damaging to dependent readers.  These students, more than any others, need activities that bring the invisible process of comprehending to the visible level." p. 175

This chapter was once again very useful when thinking about using strategies in a Social Studies classroom.  While I have been reading I have been trying to envision myself using strategies in the classroom, because for me I have to come up with my own ideas how to use the strategies to incorporate them into a content area classroom.  This has helped me, but it also takes me a little time to sort things out in my head to find a place for some strategies in the classroom. 

Scales
The Likert scale would be good in the classroom because it concentrates on the idea of themes, conflicts, and symbolism.  These are always concepts that Social Studies teachers are trying to get students to grasp.  Creating the scales doesn't always seem as easy as one would think.  Beers talks about how you have to use scales that require reflection and thought, which not that creating one wouldn't , but I feel that the scale would be something that would/could be tweaked each year (like almost all other things) to better the learning experience.

Somebody Wanted But So
I love this for the Social Studies room.  The scale and the process, would work really well in a history, geography, government, economics, and MANY other Social Sciences classes.  This would eventually push the student towards the concepts of the time period.  I am looking forward to using this in a classroom....someday....someday. (If I can obtain a job :-P)

Save the Last Word for Me
Once again...never heard of this strategy, and really like it!  Like Beers says, it is completely perfect for those students who are afraid to speak up in class for fear they are wrong or shy.  This is also a very good way to make sure when students are in group work, there isn't only a few students participating. 

Over the span of reading this book, I keep finding myself more anxious to get into MY OWN classroom!! I hope the opportunity will come soon for an interview and I can talk about my knowledge, and I can eventually whip out my arsenal of strategies and really make a difference.  Now I just need an interview....

Your Reading,
Sara